Parallel attachment for skis

ABSTRACT

A linkage for maintaining the parallel relationship of alpinetype skis is provided which permits relative fore and aft motion of the skis as well as rotation about the longitudinal axis.

1 l1 .111te States aten 1191 1111 3,862,764 Hartz Jan. 28, 1975 [54]PARALLEL ATTACHMENT FOR SKIS 3.565.424 2/1971 Macabet 81 al. 272/57 B x3.627349 12/1971 Barry 2110/11.. E Inventor: Bllly m 4016 llmlh 3751,0568/l973 Wightman 2110/1137 E Seattle, Wash. 98l25 [22 H d. s t 8 1972FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1 1,945.977 3/1971 Germany 280/1137 E21] Appl. No.: 287,366 1264565 5/1961 France 2110/1137 R 52 us. c1 280/11.37 E p'imary Schonberg 51 161. c1 A63c 11/00 Mitchell [58] Field OfSearch 280/1137 E, 11.37 R, pim-chris'ensom OCOWR 280/1 1.13 T, 11.371;272/57 B Gamsu & Haveka [56] References Cited ABSTRACT UNITED STATESPATENTS A linkage for maintaining the parallel relationship of 3,148,8919/1964 Heuve] 280/] 137 E alpine-type skis is provided which permitsrelative fore 3,171,667 3/1965 wi h 230 1 37 J X and aft motion of theskis as well as rotation about the 3,264,663 8/1966 Owens 2110/1137 Jlongitudinal axis. 3.357.714 12/1967 Kuehn 2110/1137 E 3,408,067 l0/l968Armstrong 272/57 13 x 11 Clam, 9 Drawmg Flgures 3,411,224 ll/l968 Wagner2110 1137 E ux 1 PARALLEL ATTACHMENT FOR SKIS BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION This invention relates to an attachment for alpinetype skis tomaintain a parallel relationship therebetween during skiing.

This invention further relates to a teaching device useful in learningthe art and methods of parallel alpine skiing and relates moreparticularly to a frame mechanism which engages both skis to constrainsaid skis in a parallel relationship while permitting individualrotation of the skis about their longitudinal axis and relativelongitudinal reciprocative motion therebetween.

PRIOR ART It is well-known in the prior art to use skis or ski-likerunners attached together firmly to form a sled-like device fortransporting people or baggage loads for recreational and transportationpurposes. In addition, it is known to prepare a sledlike device in whichthe front tip ends of the skis are attached together a predetermineddistance apart and the resulting mechanism drawn by a motive source suchas attachment to a vehicle or tow rope or the like. Heretofore no meanshas been provided for operatively attaching the alpine-type skistogether in a predetermined relationship which permits the necessarymotions for accomplishing alpine-type skiing while teaching the skier tomaintain his skis in the desired parallel relationship.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of this invention toprovide a means for fastening alpine-type skis in a parallelrelationship which permits the necessary motions of the skis for use inalpine skiing.

It is a further object of this invention to provide means for fasteningalpine skis together permitting individual relative rotation of the skisabout their longitudinal axis and a sufficient degree of longitudinalreciprocative motion therebetween to accomplish the necessary movementsinvolved in correctly executed alpine parallel ski techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A framework is provided operatively engagingeach of two parallel oriented alpine-type skis and slidably interengaging the two skis permitting rotation of the skis about their longitudinalaxis and relative longitudinal motion between the two skis whileconstraining the skis into a parallel relationship. The framework ispreferably constructed of a relatively flexible yet resilient materialsuch that the skis are permitted to deviate some what from theirparallel relationship to accommodate discontinuities in the terrain yetare urged into a parallel relationship by the framework. The frameworkis preferably removably attached to the upper surface of the skis suchthat it may be attached to the skis and utilized for teaching purposesyet be easily removable so that the skis may be used for generalrecreational ski- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and otherobjects of this invention will become more readily apparent from theevaluation of the following description of the several preferredembodiments of this invention and by reference to the several drawingsappended hereto wherein:

FIG. I shows a perspective view of a skier wearing a pair of alpine-typeskis having the device of this invention attached thereto;

FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a front elevation view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a sectioned front elevation view taken along line 55 ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 7 shows a front elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6',

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of thisinvention; and

FIG. 9 shows a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8.

Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein like figuresindicate like parts, there is seen in FIGS. 1 through 5 a firstpreferred embodiment of this invention wherein a pair of alpine skis, 11and 12 respectively, each have a cylindrical structural member attachedto the forward portion of the skis ahead of the location at which theskiers boots are attached. Ski 11 has cylindrical structural member 14attached thereto and ski 12 has cylindrical structural member 15attached thereto. Member 14 is attached to ski 11 by means of forwardand rearward brackets 16 and 17 respectively such that cylindricalmember 14 is positioned somewhat above the upper surface of ski 11 forpurposes described hereinafter. Similarly, cylindrical member 15 isattached to ski 12 by forward and rearward brackets 18 and 19respectively. A portion of the cylindrical member 14 issurrounded bytubular member 20 which slidably engages tubular member 14 forreciprocative and rotative motion therebetween. Similarly, cylindricalmember 15 is partially enclosed within tubular member 21 and is slidablyengaged thereby to permit reciprocative and rotative motiontherebetween.

Resilient but somewhat flexible strap means act as a bridging means toconnect the two tubular members 20 and 21 together at a predetermineddistance such that the skis will be positioned at the proper distanceapart for alpine-type skiing. In FIGS. 1 through 5, the resilient butsomewhat flexible strap means comprises a pair of strap elements 22 and23. These strap elements may be attached directly to the cylindricalelements 20 and 21 or, as shown, may be attached to end elements 24, 25,26 and 27 which are in turn firmly attached to the tubular elements 20and 21.

The apparatus as thus described permits axial rotation of the individualskis about the cylindrical members 14 and 15 into positions shown at 11'and 12' in FIG. 5, but constrains the skis 11 and 12 into a parallelrelationship. In addition, since the cylindrical members 14 and 15 aresubstantially longer than the tubular members 20 and 21 which slidablyengage the cylindrical members 14 and 15, a substantial amount ofreciprocative translation is permitted thus providing for relative foreand aft movement of the skis 11 and 12 from the positions shown in FIG.3 to the extent of travel permitted by the tubular members and 21. Aportion of the permitted travel is demonstrated in FIG. 3 by therespective locations of the attachment members 16, 17, 18 and 19 andwhich are shown in a second position at 16', 17, 18' and 19.

The connecting elements 22 and 23 are constructed of a suitable materialsuch as metal, fiberglass reinforced plastic resins, wood or othersuitable materials, which will provide a sufficient rigidity andruggedness yet permit a certain degree of flexing to absorb thevariations in terrain encountered by a skier.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of this invention is shown whereina pair of alpine-type skis 31 and 32 are connected together to maintaina parallel relationship by a frame means having a single central slidingmember. In this embodiment, the frame means is attached to the skis byattachment means 33, 34, 35 and 36 which comprise flexible suction cupelements removably adhered to the upper surface of the skis 31 and 32.The flexible nature of the attachment provides a resilientinterengagement between the frame means and the skis which in turnpermits the requisite axial rotation for angulation of the skis duringusage. Attached to each suction cup attachment means 33, 34, 35 and 36is a flat plate member 37, 38, 39 and 40 respectively, each of which isprovided with a plurality of mounting apertures 41 to adjustably connectthese elements to the skis, providing a means for adjusting the relativedistance between the skis thus accommodating various stances encounteredin the teaching of alpine skiing. The flat plate members 37 and 38attached through suction cups 33 and 34 to ski 31 each are attached toslotted track member 42 which has slot 43 opening toward the adjacentski 32. Interengaged within slotted track member 42 is runner 44,adapted to reciprocate within member 42 axially, permitting relativeaxial reciprocative motion between skis 31 and 32. Runner 44 is in turnconnected with a pair of transversely extending elements 39 and 40 whichengage suction cups 35 and 36 respectively and are operatively engagedwith ski 32.

Due to the flexibility of the attachment means 33, 34, 35 and 36 as wellas an inherent flexibility of the flat frame members 37, 38, 39 and 40due to the materials used, skis 31 and 32 may individually rotateaxially to a sufflcient degree to permit the edging or angulation motionnecessary to properly accomplish parallel alpine-type skiing. Inaddition, the sliding relationship between elements 42 and 44 permitsrelative axial reciprocation between skis 31 and 32. Thus, one of saidskis may be advanced ahead of the other so that the proper stance fortraversing a hillside may be assumed by the skier.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of this invention wherein asubstantially greater freedom of rotation of each individual ski isprovided and wherein the frame means may be easily removed from theskis. In this embodiment, ski 51 has attachment means 53 and 54positioned thereon and ski 52 has attachment means 55 and 56 positionedthereon, each of said attachment means comprising a rubber suction cuptype of device or similar removable mounting means. Attachment means 53and 54 pivotally engage an elongated structural element 57 which ispositioned parallel to the major axis of ski 51. Similarly, attachmentmeans 55 and 56 pivotally engage elongated structural element 58 whichis positioned parallel to the major axis of ski 52. A resilient butsomewhat flexible plate 59 is rigidly attached to elongated structuralmember 57 by means of a pair of thumb screws 60 threaded into element70. Thumb screws 60 may be inserted through any one of three sets'ofapertures as shown to provide adjustability of the width between theskis 51 and 52. Other adjustment means may be used. Similarly, a flat,somewhat resilient plate member 61 is rigidly attached to elongatedmember 58 by means of a pair of thumb screws 62 through one of threesets of apertures into element 71. Plate 59 carries track means 63 whichin turn partially surrounds runner means 64 permitting relativereciprocation of track means 63 and runner means 64. The runner means 64is firmly attached to plate 61 thus interconnecting skis 51 and 52 in aparallel relationship while permitting relative reciprocative motionbetween skis 51 and 52 and individual rotation of the skis 51 and 52about members 57 and 58 respectively the plates 59 and 61 providingbridging means between the two skis.

The elongated members 57 and 58 are each set into sockets providedtherefore in the front mounting members 54 and 55 respectively and areremovably connected to the rearward mount members 53 and 56 by means ofpins 65 and 66 respectively. Thus, the members along with the slidemechanism may easily be dismounted from the skis by removing pins 65 and66, sliding members 57 and 58 forward a short distance to disengage themfrom mounts 53 and 56 and then sliding members 57 and 58 rearwardly todisengage them from mounts 54 and 55 respectively. The skis 51 and 52are then free for use in the normal fashion of alpine skiing.Alternately the runner 64 and track 63 may be disengaged by slidingrunner 64 out of track 63 to the front or back. At that point the plates59 and 61 will swing upwardly under the influence of springs 68 and 69respectively to a position in which the apparatus will not interferewith normal usuage of the skis.

In the construction of the devices shown in the drawings, it ispreferable to use materials which are resilient yet somewhat flexiblesuch that the skis are permitted limited skew movement but are urgedinto their proper parallel position rather than being firmly fixed inthat position. However, a workable device results if the frame membersutilized to connect the skis together are rigid and nonyielding.Preferably, metal or plastic material are utilized. It has been foundthat fiber-glass reinforced plastics are ideally suited for usage forcertain parts of this invention. The flat members 59 and 61 shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 preferably are thin and somewhat flexible metal plates.However, the various polymeric materials having sufflcient strength mayalso be used. The preferred embodiments shown in the drawings are shownattached to the skis by means of rubber suction cup like devices.However, any means of attachment to ski may be utilized including adirect mechanical fastening using threaded fasteners, attaching bearingpads with adhesive materials such as epoxy glues or by the use of othersuitable fastening means well known in the art.

The preferred embodiments described above and shown in the drawings eachhave the linkage apparatus positioned ahead of the ski bindings. Thelinkage can, of course, be positioned behind the bindings or there maybe provided a linkage both in front of and behind the bindings toaccomplish the objects of this invention.

The preferred embodiments maintain the same distance between the skis inall positions. It is not required that the linkage used to maintain theskis parallel also keep the skis spaced apart the same distance underall conditions. It is only required that the linkage permit fore and aftindividual movement of the skis while keeping the skis parallel.

One major advantage of this invention is that, if the invention is usedduring the early learning stages by a beginning skier, the skis are heldtogether so that the skier learns to fall properly and does notencounter an uncontrolled separation of the skis in a fall, thusminimizing the chances of a serious injury.

While this invention has been described with particular reference tocertain perferred embodiments, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various modifications may be made thereto.

What is claimed is:

l. A framework apparatus for restraining and limiting relative movementof alpine skis whereby said skis may move relatively fore and aft,individually rotate about a longitudinal axis and move in limited skewrelationship to accommodate snow surface irregularities whilemaintaining said skis in a substantially parallel relationship,comprising:

two elongated members, each positioned forwardly of ski bindings on saidskis and positioned substantially parallel to each other, each memberhaving front and rear mounting means for removably attaching saidmembers to the upper surface of a pair of alpine skis; and,

resilient linkage means extending between said two elongated members,said resilient linkage means including track and slide means permittingrelative fore and aft movement of said two members and resilientbridging means which interconnects said track and slide means and saidelongated members permitting limited skew movement of said elongatedmembers while urging said two members into parallel relationship.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resilient linkage means isadjustable in length.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elongated members arecylindrical in cross section and said track and slide means furthercomprises a pair of tubular members, each engaging one of saidcylindrical elongated members as tracks and positioned thereon forreciprocative movement and wherein said bridging means comprises atleast one strap means extending between said pair of tubular members.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resilient linkage means furthercomprises plate elements attached to said elongated members andextending toward an adjacent elongated member, said plate elementscarrying said track and slide means.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said elongated members are pivotallymounted in said mounting means.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said plate elements have a pluralityof attachment apertures therein, whereby the distance between saidelongated members may be varied.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said track and slide means isdisengageable to permit usage of skis carrying said frameworkindependently of each other.

8. Framework for limiting the movement of alpine skis to those movementsnecessary to properly execute parallel skiing techniques, comprising incombination:

a first alpine ski having ski engaging, mounting means on the uppersurface thereof, carrying a first member above the upper surface of saidfirst alpine ski;

a first resilient bridging means firmly attached to said first pivotallymounted member and extending laterally from said first pivotally mountedmember mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis extending longitudinallytoward a second ski and carrying a track means thereon;

a second alpine ski having ski engaging, mounting means on the uppersurface thereof, carrying a second member mounted to pivot about ahorizontal axis extending longitudinally above the upper surface of saidsecond alpine ski;

a second resilient bridging means firmly attached to said secondpivotally mounted member and extending laterally from said secondpivotally mounted member toward said first ski and carrying a slidemeans thereon; and,

said track means and said slide means being interengageable whereby saidskis are resiliently urged into a parallel relationship while said skisare permitted limited individual rotation about their respectivepivotally mounted members and relative fore and aft movement.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said first and said second bridgingmeans have a plurality of apertures for attachment to said firstpivotally mounted member and said second pivotally mounted member,respectively, whereby the distance between said alpine skis may beadjusted.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said first pivotally mounted memberand said second pivotally mounted member are removable from saidmounting means whereby said framework, excepting said mounting means,may be removed from said skis for usage of said skis without saidframework.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 and spring means on said first and saidsecond pivotally mounted members to urge said first and said secondresilient bridging means into an upright position whenever said trackand slide are disengaged. A63c 11/00 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEQERTTFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3J862a1764 Dated y 1975 C Inventor)Billy J. Hartz It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below: Q

Column 6, line 16, after "her", insert mounted to pivot about ahorizontal axis extending longitudinally Signed and Sealed this secondDay of September 1975 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN MIN g fficer ('ummissimnr uj'Parents andTrademarks FORM PO-1050 (10-69) uscoMM-Dc scans-P69 U.Sv GOVERNMENTPRINTING OFFICE: 9 930

1. A framework apparatus for restraining and limiting relative movementof alpine skis whereby said skis may move relatively fore and aft,individually rotate about a longitudinal axis and move in limited skewrelationship to accommodate snow surface irregularities whilemaintaining said skis in a substantially parallel relationship,comprising: two elongated members, each positioned forwardly of skibindings on said skis and positioned substantially parallel to eachother, each member having front and rear mounting means for removablyattaching said members to the upper surface of a pair of alpine skis;and, resilient linkage means extending between said two elongatedmembers, said resilient linkage means including track and slide meanspermitting relative fore and aft movement of said two members andresilient bridging means which interconnects said track and slide meansand said elongated members permitting limited skew movement of saidelongated members while urging said two members into parallelrelationshiP.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resilient linkagemeans is adjustable in length.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidelongated members are cylindrical in cross section and said track andslide means further comprises a pair of tubular members, each engagingone of said cylindrical elongated members as tracks and positionedthereon for reciprocative movement and wherein said bridging meanscomprises at least one strap means extending between said pair oftubular members.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resilientlinkage means further comprises plate elements attached to saidelongated members and extending toward an adjacent elongated member,said plate elements carrying said track and slide means.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4 wherein said elongated members are pivotallymounted in said mounting means.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein saidplate elements have a plurality of attachment apertures therein, wherebythe distance between said elongated members may be varied.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said track and slide means is disengageableto permit usage of skis carrying said framework independently of eachother.
 8. Framework for limiting the movement of alpine skis to thosemovements necessary to properly execute parallel skiing techniques,comprising in combination: a first alpine ski having ski engaging,mounting means on the upper surface thereof, carrying a first memberabove the upper surface of said first alpine ski; a first resilientbridging means firmly attached to said first pivotally mounted memberand extending laterally from said first pivotally mounted member mountedto pivot about a horizontal axis extending longitudinally toward asecond ski and carrying a track means thereon; a second alpine skihaving ski engaging, mounting means on the upper surface thereof,carrying a second member mounted to pivot about a horizontal axisextending longitudinally above the upper surface of said second alpineski; a second resilient bridging means firmly attached to said secondpivotally mounted member and extending laterally from said secondpivotally mounted member toward said first ski and carrying a slidemeans thereon; and, said track means and said slide means beinginterengageable whereby said skis are resiliently urged into a parallelrelationship while said skis are permitted limited individual rotationabout their respective pivotally mounted members and relative fore andaft movement.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said first and saidsecond bridging means have a plurality of apertures for attachment tosaid first pivotally mounted member and said second pivotally mountedmember, respectively, whereby the distance between said alpine skis maybe adjusted.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said first pivotallymounted member and said second pivotally mounted member are removablefrom said mounting means whereby said framework, excepting said mountingmeans, may be removed from said skis for usage of said skis without saidframework.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8 and spring means on said firstand said second pivotally mounted members to urge said first and saidsecond resilient bridging means into an upright position whenever saidtrack and slide are disengaged. A63c 11/00